Wind vane indicator



(NoMuclL) H. J. HAIGHT.

WIND 'VANB INDICATOR.

4 Sheets-Sheet 1.

Patented Jan. 28, 1890,

n. PETERS Phnto-Lnlhngnpher. Washinghm, nv c.

im lu I (No Model.) 1 H. J. HAIGH T. I WIND VANB INDIGATOR.

N0. 420,057. r PatentedJan. 28, 1890',

4 Sheets-Sheet 2.

N, PETERS. mwmw mwm Wathingmn. n. c

4 Shxats-Sheet 4.

(No Model.)

H. J. HAIGHT.

WIND VANE INDICATOR.

lunmuu w LII.

fi e

.HenryJamenEwZg/ot :4. Farms m u npm Washington. n. c

% ATENT FFICE.

HENRY JANSEN HAIeHnoF NEW YORK, N. Y.

WlND-VANE INDICATOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 420,057, dated January28, 1890.

Application filed August 23, 1889. $erial No. 321,720: (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, HENRY J ANSEN HAIGHT, of the city, county, and Stateof New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inWind-Vane Indicators, of

which the following is a specification.

The object of this invention is to provide for the transmission byelectric means of wind-vane indicators from the place where thewind-vane is located to a distant station or stations.

In carrying out the objects of this invention there are employed atransmitting-instrument at the place or station where the windvane islocated, a receiving indicating-instrument at each distantreceiving-station, and intermediate electric connections.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which '5is a section in a plane indicated by the line 5 5 in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is adetail plan view of a portion of the transmitter, the casing containingthe dial-scale and its supports being removed; and Fig. 7 is a sectionalview, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of the mechanism shown in Fig.4. v

The transmitting-instrument will be first described in detail. Thisinstrument is composed, mainly, of metal, thus necessitating theinsulation of the various parts which comprise portions of the electriccircuits. The various operative parts of this transmittinginstrument aremounted upon a metallic baseplate A, which may be secured to anyconvenient support. To this base-plate are secured two metallicbearing-brackets b b, Fig. 5, in which is journaled an arbor B, to whichis coupled the rotary shaft 0 of the windvane C.

To the plate A are secured two metallic posts cl cl, which support ametallic cross-bar D, extending'crosswise of the arbor B.

J ournaled in one of the brackets 12 and the cross-bar D is theindicating index-arbor E,

series of circuit-closing projections 71. h, corresponding in numberwith the divisions on the indicating-scale. Co-operating with thiscircuit-closing wheel is a metallic circuitbreaking lever H, which ispivotally connected to a post 2', of insulating material such as hardrubber-secured to the baseplate. j, surrounded by an insulating-sleeve7c, of hard rubber, and on this sleeve turns a bowl Z, which is thusinsulated from the lever H. This bowl is drawn into co-operativerelation with the projections h h on the wheel G bya spring on, which isattached at opposite ends to the long end of the lever H and to atension-regulator L. This tension-regulator consists of a metallic post'11, Fig. 5, carried by the base-plate, in the upper split'en'd of whichturns a shaft 0, to which is attached an insulating silken cord 19,which is secured to the spring. By turning the shaft 0 the cord is woundor unwound, thus regulating the tension of spring m. The cord .beingmade of insulating material there is no direct electrical connectionbetween the post n and lever H. The short end of lever H is, connectedby an insulating-wire 1, Figs; 2, 3',"

and 4, to a binding-post q, secured by ahardrubber base 0" to thebase-plate A. From this binding-post a circuit-wire 2 leads to one poleof a battery K. Part of the circuit-wire 2 may be replaced by anearth-connection if the battery is located at a distance, as indicatedin Fig. 1. The long end of the lever H plays between two metallic posts.9 25, secured to the base-plate. The inner post 5 carries an adjustablestop a and the outer post 25 carries an adjustable contact 12, Fig. 5.The lever is provided with a spring-contact 20, cooperating with thecontact 1), and a hard-rub ber back piece 00, co-operating with the stopa. Normally the back piece as is held against This circuit-breakinglever hasa stud the stop a by the spring m, with the springcontact "L0and fixed contact 12 separated. Vhen, however, a circuit-closingprojection h on the circuit-closing wheel G comes in contact with thebowl'Z on the circuit-breaking lever, the contacts to U are broughttogether, thus establishing electric connection between the battery andthe base-plate and all parts in metallic connection therewith, includingthe index-arbor E and the wheel G. When the projection h is carried outof contact with the bowl, the electric connection is broken by thespring 0%. At every point of the compass, therefore, (the number ofpoints being determined by the number of projections h,) to which thewind shifts an electric circuit will be made and again broken. Thismaking and breaking of an electric circuit is utilized for thetransmission of the wind indications to a distant station.

Since the wind may shift in either direction, so that thecircuit-closing wheel G may be rotated either one way or the other, itis necessary to connect the transmitting-instrument with thereceiving-indicator by two circuit-wires 3 and 4, in addition to thewire 2, one of said wires 3 or 4 being in circuit when the wheel Gturnsin one direction, and

vice versa. Consequently mechanism is necessary for bringing one wireinto the circuit and cutting out the other wire, in accordance with thedirection in which the wheel'G is moving. The two circuit-wires 3 and 4are respectively connected to binding-posts y and .2, which are securedby hard-rubber bases "1' to the base-plate A.

Concentrically encircling, but not in contact, with the arbor E, betweenthe wheel G and bevel-gear e, is a metal collar L, carrying aradially-extending metal arm M in a plane parallel with that of thewheel G as shown best in Fig.7. The collar L is in turn encircled by ahard-rubber sleeve N, and exterior to this is a second metallic collarO. This metallic collar 0 is further insulated from parts above andbelow by hardrubber washers a a, one of which may be integral with thesleeve N. This metallic collar 0, which is also concentric with arbor E,also carries a radially-extending metal arm P, Figs. 3 and 6, in a planeparallel with that of the wheel'G. The two arms M and P are not in thesame vertical plane, but are separated slightly by a small are from eachother. Their relative positions are fixed by their outer ends beingsecured together, but insulated from each other. Each carries on itsouter end a hard-rubber block b, and the two blocks are adj ustablyfastened by a screw-threaded connecting-rod c and thumbnuts d. V l

The collars L and O are rotatively mounted so as to rotate around thearbor E by being journaled in a central aperture in a metallic cross-barQ parallel with the cross-bar D. The cross-bar Q is supported by itsends resting on two hard-rubber pillars R R on the base plate.

The outer collar 0 is slipped through the central aperture in the bar Q,an annular flange e on the collar 0 resting in contact with the bar. Acircular nut f, screwed to the inner collar L, holds the parts inposition. The two collars can thus turn freely in the bar Q; but theyare held in any position in which they may be left, and are preventedfrom slipping by a coiled spring g,

interposed between the hard-rubber washer a and the bar Q. The radialarms M P are thus insulated from each other and from all parts inmetallic connection with the baseplate A, and they are free to turnconcentrically with the circuit-closing wheel G and in either direction.

The two collars L O and their-intermediate insulating-sleeves constitutetogether a hub which supports and carries the two separated andinsulated arms M and P. This hub rotates freely in the bearing formed bythe bar Q, and it encircles the rotary harbor E, being concentric, butwholly out of contact therewith, there being an open space between thehub and arbor. Consequently the hub is free to turn independently of thearbor.

The bar Q is electrically connected with the binding-post y, and hencewith the circuit-wire 3, by means of an insulated wire 5, Fig. 4. Thusthe radial arm P is in permanent electric connection with circuit-wire3.

The binding-post z, and hence circuit-wire 4, are connected by aninsulated wire 6 with a contact-spring R, which is supported on ahard-rubber pillar S on the base-plate, Figs. 3 and i. Thiscontact-spring bears against the circular nut f on the circular collarL, carrying the radial arm M, so that the arm M is always in permanentelectric connection with circuit-wire 4.

The circuit-closing wheel G carries a projecting contact-pin T, Figs. 6and 7, projecting at right angles to said wheel and extending betweenthe radial arms M P. The radial arm M carries a contact-spring h, andthe radial arm P carries a contact-spring 1". These springs are separatefrom each other by a space greater than the diameter of the pin T, whichis located between them. The angular distance between arms M and P isless than that between two adjoining projections h h on the periphery ofthe wheel G. Then, therefore, the wheel G moves in one direction a spacegreat enough to bring one of its projections h into co-operativerelation with the bowl I on the lever H, the pin T will come in contactwith either the spring h or 2", (depending upon the direction,) and willremain in contact with it until the wind shifts, so as to move wheel Gin the opposite direction. WVhen the wind so shifts, beforea projectionh on the wheel G can come in contact with the bowl l on the reversemovement, the pin T will have come in contact with the other contact z"or h. Hence in whichever way the wheel moves it always is in electricconnection with either the circuit-wire 3 or 4,

and the complete circuit is made or broken by the projections h h; hencean electric im-' pulse will be conveyed whenever the wind shifts onepoint of the compass.

In connection with this transmitter there is employed at each distantstation a receiving-indicator U, such as is indicated in Fig. 1. Thisreceiving-indicator is provided with a dial j, on which are marked thepoints of the compass, corresponding with the markings on thetransmitter. nection with this dial is an index k, which moves forwardor back, as the case may be, in unison with the index of thetransmitter. This index k is moved in opposite directions by theexcitation of two electro-magnets Z m. The mechanism intermediatebetween the magnets and the index is old and well known, and constitutesno part of the present invention. The intermediate mechanism, as is wellknown, moves the index one step in one direction when the magnet Z isexcited, and moves the index one step in the opposite direction when themagnet on is excited. Hence it will be evident that by putting themagnets Z m in the same circuits .as the wires 3 and 4, leading fromthe'transmitter, the receiving-magnets will be excited by the action ofthe transmitter,and hence the index of the receiving-indicator will movein unison with that of the transmitter. Both magnets Z m of thereceiving-indicator are connected by wires 7 with one pole of a localbattery V. From the opposite pole of the local battery a wire 8 leads toa wire 9, the

opposite ends of which are connected to two fixed contacts n 0.

NV and X are two relay-magnets having respectively pivoted armatures VZ. Each armature has its swinging end 1) composed of hard rubber orother insulating material. In its insulated end the armature V carries acontact-pin g, which co-operates with. the fixed. contact at, and in itsinsulated end the armature Z carries a contact-pin r,

- When, then, the pin g is brought into contact with fixed contact n bythe movement of the armature V, a local circuit will be closed throughthe battery V, wires '7, 8, 9, and 10, and the magnet Z, thus excitingthe magnet and moving index is one step in one direction; and when thepin 6" is brought in contact with fixed contact 0 by the movement ofarmature Z, then the local circuit will be closed through the batteryV,wires Operating in con 7, 8, 9, and 11, and magnet m, thus moving theindex it one step in the other direction.

lay-magnet W with circuit-wire 3, and relaymagnet X with circuit wire 4.Both relays W and X are connected by wire 12 with the main battery K.

The object of making the ends of the armatures V Z of insulatingmaterial is to pro tect the receiving-indicator from lightning.

To protect the relay-magnets and transmitter from lightning, alightning-arrester t, of

any well-known construction, is connected with the line-wires 3 and 4tand to earth by a wire 13. Any number of receiving-stations can beconnected with the transmitter by having relay-magnets WV X, areceiving-indicator, and a local circuit at each station, and connectingthe relay-magnets at the several stations in series by the wires 3 and4.

I claim as my invention- 1. A rotary arbor, a circuit making andbreaking wheel rotated thereby, an electric circuit which is opened andclosed by the action of said wheel, an electric generator in saidelectric circuit, and acontact-pin rotating with'said wheel, which is inelectric communication with one pole of said electric generator, theelectric circuit being opened and closed by the action of said wheelbetween said generator and said contact-pin, in combination with twoseparated and insulated contacts, between which said contact-pin islocated, said insulated contacts being capable of being freely turned ineither direction in arcs concentric with said arbor by the movement ofsaid pin when it comes in contact with said contacts, respectively, andindependent circuit-wires in electric connection, respectively, withsaid insulated contacts and with the opposite pole of said electricgenerator, substantially as set forth.

2. A wind-vane, a rotary arbor rotated by connection with saidwind-vane, a circuit making and breaking wheel rotated by said arbor, anelectric circuit which is opened and closed by the action of said wheel,an electric generator in said electric circuit, and a contactpinrotating with said wheel, which is in electric communication with onepole of said electric generator,the electric circuit being opened andclosed by the action of said wheel between said generator and saidcontact-pin, in combination with two separated and insulated contacts,between which said contact-pin is located, said insulated contacts beingcapable of being freely turned in either direction in arcs concentricwith said arbor by the movement of said pin when it comes in contactwith said contacts, respectively, and independent circuit-wires inelectric connection, respectively, wit-h said insulated contacts andwith l the opposite pole of said electric generator, substantially asset forth.

3. A rotary arbor, a circuit making and breaking wheel rotated thereby,an electric and insulated contacts between which said contact-pin islocated, said insulated contacts being capable of being freely turned ineither direction in arcs concentric with said arbor by the movement ofsaid pin when it comes in contact with said contacts, respectively, andindependent circuit-wires in electric connection, respectively, withsaid insulated contacts, and with the opposite pole of said electricgenerator, in combination with an electric indicating-instrument havingan index, two magnets which are adapted to move said index in oppositedirections, two local electric circuits, each including one of saidmagnets, and two relay-magnets controlling said local circuits,respectively, each of said relay-magnets being controlled by one of saidindependent circuit-wires, substantially as set forth.

4. A rotary arbor, a circuit making and breaking wheel rotated thereby,an electric circuit which is opened and closed by the action of saidwheel, an electric generator in said electric circuit, a contact-pinrotating with said wheel, which is in electric communication with onepole of said electric generator, the electric circuit being opened andclosed by the action of said wheel between said generator and saidcontact pin, two separated and insulated contacts between which saidcontact-pin is located, said insulated contacts being capable of beingfreely turned in either direction in arcs concentric with said arbor bythe movement of said pin when it comes in contact with said contacts,respectively, and. independent circuit-wires in electric connection,respectively, with said insulated contacts and with the opposite pole ofsaid electric generator, in combination with an electricindicating-instrument having an index and two magnets which are adaptedto move said index in opposite directions, said magnets beingcontrolled, respectively, by said independent circuit-wires,respectively, substantially as set forth..

5. A wind-vane, a rotary arbor rotated by connection with saidwind-vane, a. circuit making and breaking wheel rotated by said arbor,arf electric circuit which is opened and closed by the action of saidwheel, an electric generator in said electric circuit, a contact-pinrotated with said wheel, which is in electric communication with onepole of said electric generator, the electric circuit being opened andclosed by the action of said wheel between said generator and saidcontact-pin, and two separated and insulated contacts betworelay-magnets, each having an armature which has an insulated portionand a metal contact-pin carried by said insulated portion, a fixedcontact, with which said contact-pin is brought into electric connectionon the attraction of said armature, a local electric circuit terminatingat opposite ends in said contact-pin and said fixed contact, an electricindicating-instrument having two actuatingmagnets, which are in thelocal circuits controlled, respectively, by said two relay-magnets, andtwo main independent circuit-wires extending from said separated andinsulated contacts, respectively, through said relaymagnets,respectively, and to the opposite pole of said electric generator,substantially as set forth.

6. A rotary arbor, a circuit making and breaking wheel having a seriesof projections on its periphery, a contact-pin on said circuitbreakingwheel, an electric generator, circuitconnections between one pole ofsaid generator and said contact-pin, and a circuit making and breakinglever which opens and closesthe circuit, said lever being oscillated bysaid projections, in combination with two insulated contacts, betweenwhich said contact-pin is located, said insulated contacts being capableof being freely turned in either direction in arcs concentric with saidarbor by the movement of said pin when it comes in contact with saidcontacts, respectively, and independent circuitwires in electricconnection, respectively, with said insulated contacts and with theopposite pole of said electric generator, substantially as set forth.

7. The rotary arbor E and the contact-pin rotating therewith, incombination with a hub rotatably mounted in suitable bearings, said hubencircling said arbor, but wholly separated and disconnected therefrom,so that said hub can turn independently of said arbor, and two separatedand insulated contacts carried by said hub and located on opposite sidesof saidcontact-pin, substantially as set forth.

8. The rotary arbor E and the contact-pin T, connected to said arbor soas to rotate therewith, in combination with metallic collar L,encircling said arbor, but insulated therefrom, metallic collar 0,encircling said collar L, but insulated therefrom, arms M and P, carriedby said collars L and 0, re-

spectively, and spring-contacts h c" on said arms M and P, respectively,said contact-pin being located between said spring-contacts,substantially as set forth.

9. The rotary arbor E, in combination with the cross-bar Q, having acentral aperture encircling said arbor, two metallic collars L and O,insulated from each other and journaled in the aperture in said bar Q,the inner of said collars encircling but out of contact with said arbor,and the outer of said collars being in contact wit-l1 said bar Q,substantially as set forth.

10. The rotary arbor E and the cross-bar Q, having a central apertureencircling said arbor, in combination with two metallic collars L and O,insulated from each other and journaled in said bar Q, the inner. ofsaid col lars encircling but out of contact with said arbor, and theouter of said collars being in contact with said bar Q, an electricgenerator, two circuit-wires connected with one pole of said generator,one of said wires beingin electric connection with said bar Q and theother being in electric connection with said inner collar L, and a thirdcircuit-wire connected with the other pole of said electric generatorand being in electric connection with said arbor E, substantially as setforth.

11. The bar Q, the spring R, and two electric circuit-wires connectedtherewith, in combination with collar L, having nut f, against whichspring R bears, collar 0, encircling said collar L, said collar 0 beingin contact with said bar Q, and an insulatin -sleeve N between saidcollars L and O, substantially as set forth.

12. The bar Q, having a central aperture, in combination with collar L,having nut f, collar 0, encircling said collar L and turning in thecentral aperture of said bar Q, said collar having a flange 6, restingon said bar Q, an insulating-sleeve N between said collars L and 0, aninsulating-Washer a upon said nut f, and a spring g, bearing againstsaid bar Q and said washer f, substantially as set forth.

In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of twosubscribing Witnesses.

HENRY JANSEN HAIGHT.

Witnesses:

W. J. NELSON, O. S. NEWELL.

